. >>> superstorm sandy became one of the deadliest and most destructive storms. among the hardest hit areas, breezy point, new least those that can. others still don't have a home 12 months after the storm. nearly a year ago these are some of the storm's first images after the aftermath. calling a superstorm when it made land fall. floodwaters destroyed homes and bhep that seawall hit electrical wires, areas laid to waste. some 650,000 homes were destroyed and 8.5 million oncustomers were without power. as for the total cost, the low end estimate sits at $50 billion. >> by and large we were not prepared except for emergency measures. meaning there were recreation plans in place. >> years later, thousands attempted ro rebuild. >> reporter: he had no doubt he'd return after sandy tore through his home. >> if wi were this height prior to sandy, our house wouldn't have have been affected. it will sit 14 fight above. >> it's going make this house stronger and more resep tense. but he says it doesn't matter how high go directly to homeowners. charlie and norah. >> than